Each year, the Washington Post holds a contest wherein the goal is to create the most culturally relevant diorama for that particular year. This in itself might not be so noteworthy, except that the oeuvre is Peeps.
Peeps, just in case you’re unfamiliar with the product, are a series of marshmallow candies that are shaped like different animals, and come in a variety of colors. While there are now a number of species available, the original Peeps were the chicks, hence their name. There is an entire subculture dedicated to the glory of Peeps, and a simple Google search will turn up a wide array of Web sites dedicated to the subject.
For this year’s “Peeps Show”, the Washington Post received over 1,100 entries from all over the country, with clever dioramas displaying a wide-ranging array of scenarios. One of my personal favorites is the “Where The Wild Peeps Are”, with its slightly creepy Wild Peeps and gorgeous landscape which I imagine was either clipped straight from the “Wild Things” book, or simply photocopied to preserve the tome itself.
And for sheer architectural glory, you can’t beat “Easter at the National Peep-Thedral: A House of Prayer for All Peeps”, which bases its diorama on Washington’s National Cathedral, complete with pillars and tiny pipe organ.
You can check out the top 38 entrants on the Post Web site, and marvel at the construction of the top five winners. Perhaps these dioramas will inspire you and your child to create a masterpeeps of your own!
